Posts tagged with "Asthma"
Capno 101: What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflamed and narrowed airways. When the inflamed airways of asthma patients react strongly to certain inhaled substances, commonly referred to as an asthma attack, the outcome is a hyper-reactive airway that results in acute bronchospasm, reducing the flow of air into the lungs. Swelling...
Teaching Capnography: Sequence instruction from pathophysiology to advanced waveform interpretation
Students need to know that capnography is part of the standard of care and is one of the most important diagnostic tools at their disposal By Chris Cebollero Since the introduction of the 12-Lead EKG to EMS in the late 90’s has there been a more important piece of equipment then capnography? Your cardiac monitor with...
Stress-induced Respiratory Pattern Changes in Asthma
Expiratory lengthening and variable tidal volumes are characteristic for individuals with asthma during psychosocial stress.
Prove it: Is it asthma or COPD?
Kenny NavarroEMS1.com ColumnistsA single prehospital treatment protocol for respiratory distress from asthma or COPD is reasonableMedic 23 and Engine 16 respond to a private residence for shortness of breath. Both arrive to find a 59-year-old female who says she is having difficulty breathing, which she attributes to a bad cold. Although...
EMS Artwork: Is there wheezing?
Daniel SundahlEMS1.com ColumnistsWheezes, retractions, tachypnea and altered mental status lead to a quick assessment of asthma This image was based on a call I did for a boy who was having an asthma attack. He was fine, but his father was distraught. His wife, the boys mother, had died a week prior from cancer. He said she used to...
Reality Training: Assessment and management of pediatric asthma
EMS1.com ColumnistsLearn the signs and symptoms for this significant pediatric airway and ventilation emergencyBy Christopher Kroboth Asthma is a condition in which lower airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath . The CDC reports that 8.3...
8 questions for critical respiratory compromise patients
EMS1 SponsoredMake every assessment question count using this strategy to quickly assess respiratory patients who are unable to speak in phrases or sentences By Bob Sullivan Patients in severe respiratory distress or respiratory compromise are often unable to speak more than one or two words at a time, and attempting to do so makes...
Use capnography as a primary assessment tool for asthma and COPD exacerbation
EMS1 SponsoredQuantitative waveform capnography can help EMS providers recognize bronchospasm, spot ventilation derangements, and gauge the effectiveness of therapy By Kelly Grayson Obstructive airway disease is a constellation of chronic respiratory illnesses characterized by obstructed airflow through the terminal bronchioles and...
